Dejan’s guide to: where to eat in London

I always get asked by people visiting London for the first time, where they should go eat, whether a meat-lover, a pescatarian or a vegetarian, all these restuarants are a must visit.

Keep reading to find out where to go and what to eat whilst visiting.

Zoilo- Duke Street Marylebone

Cuisine: Argentine

This small and authentic Argentinian restaurant tucked off Duke Street in Marylebone would be in contention for my last meal. Facing the building where Simon Bolivar used to stay whilst in London, Zoilo occupies a small indoor space, with dim lighting and pictures of Boca Junirs’ „La Bombonera” as well as a portrait of Che Guevara. The terrace also accommodates 3 tables that overlook Hyde Park and are my choice of table for the summer. The restaurant is quietly welcoming and the service immaculate, with a special mention going to the maitre d’, who is among one of the most careful and attentive people in the industry.

I have tried the majority of the menu, but these are my favourites. The Provoleta (an argentine cheese) happens to be my favourite item on the menu, which is unexpected, as I try to avoid dairy as much as I can. However, the mix between the cheese, the herbs and toasted almonds is simply divine, and the perfect starter to a nice dinner. The ceviche is interestingly different to its format in the majority of Peruvian restaurants, lacking the tanginess of the ‚Leche de Tigre’, but still a welcome addition.

For the main course, I would recommend a steak, although the Octopus is still tasty, there is nothing quite like an Argentinian steak, bonus points if paired with one of the many Argentinian Malbecs on the wine list.

The standout of the meal for me was the Banana ice cream Creme Brulee, which to this day remains as one of the best tasting dishes of my life. The combination between the silky vanilla cream, the crunchy layer of caramelised sugar and the richness of the Ice cream forms the perfect finish to an exquisite meal.

Overall, a 5 star meal in a cozy location, and the restaurant that I find myself most frequently recommending to travelers looking to enjoy the highest quality of food.

Vori

Cuisine: Greek

Vori is the restaurant that I most often find myself at. Whether for a quick lunch, a nice dinner with friends and family or even brunch straight from the airport, this place never disappoints when it comes down to taste and quality.

The restaurant is found near Holland Park and has a terrace that allows for 3 tables, as well as an Air conditioned interior., which is ;arge enough to not feel cramped, but small enough to maintain an intimate atmosphere. The music played is entirely greek and there even is live music once a week with greek Bouzouki.

The meat is some of the most flavourful you can find and all bought from Lidgate Butchers, who also happen to be their neighbours. The wine list is almost entirely greek and the fruits and vegetables fresh and organically sourced. The menu changes a couple of times a year based on seasonality to ensure that the produce is fresh and as locally sourced as possible.

For the summer menu, I would recommend starting with the Greek Salad, which can rival any from Greece, as well as 1 or 2 of their dips (The Tarama salad being my favourite). As for the main course, I would recommend ordering the Spring lamb chops, which are paired with lemon and a herb oil, that cut through the fattiness of the lamb. The pork souvlaki is well seasoned with some paprika and perfect for a summer evening. Other favourites remain the octopus and the fresh fish. Make sure to not miss out on their deserts, with the Bougatsa (custard filled filo pastry) and the Loukoumades (greek doughnouts with honey and walnuts) being my go-to choices.

Probably the tastiest food in London and a hidden gem for most first time travellers and even for most Londoners that do not reside in the Notting Hill/Holland park area.

Honourable mentions with shorter reviews.

6 Portland Rd- British cuisine

Tucked off a small street and a 5 min walk from Holland Park, this modern British restaurant is known for its constantly changing menu that reinvents British classics mixed with French techniques. The terrace is beautiful and the perfect place to sit on a warm summer evening. My favourites are the Steak tartare on a rosti as a starter, as well as their Madeleines for desert, which are freshly baked as soon as you order.

Top tip: Order 6 Madeleines to have there and 6 more to take home for breakfast the next morning.

Smith & Wollensky- London’s best steakhouse

Found in central London, for me Smith&Wollensky has the best steak in London. The location is decorated as a classic American steakhouse and is found on 2 floors. The service is great and truly transport you to the world of a New York steakhouse for the duration of your meal. My recommendation is to go for a T-bone, which is some of the most tender I have had and then finish the meal with the Smores inspired desert.

Barraffina

This Spanish restaurant mini chain needs no introduction. Whether entering their location in Borough Market or Drury Lane, there is no better place for a solo lunch than Barraffina. Sit at the counter, order a pan con tomate, followed by a Pluma Iberica (the wagyu equivalent for pork) and get on your way.